BMW releases third-gen X3 pricing

BMW Australia has announced pricing for its third-generation X3 medium SUV, increasing the point of entry for the three-variant launch range by $5100 ahead of its on-sale date in November, starting from $68,900 plus on-roads.

The range is set to be expanded with more variants in 2018, and while BMW hasn’t yet indicated which those new models will be, it is likely to include the entry-level 20i petrol version, which served as the range-opening model for the outgoing X3.

Also slated for an Australian arrival is the potent M40i variant, which uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with an output of 265kW/500Nm, the first M-branded X3 that would challenge the likes of the Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-AMG GLC43.

As GoAuto reported last week, BMW is also close to a decision on whether or not to produce a full-fat X3 M version, which would likely share the twin-turbo inline six from the M3 and M4.

If the X3 M were to come Down Under, BMW Group Australia product communications manager Adam Davis told GoAuto the company would be keen to see it in local showrooms, given the success of other M models.

Kicking off the range is the four-cylinder xDrive20d, which makes 140kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre diesel engine, and is priced $1100 higher than its outgoing counterpart.

Next up is the xDrive30i, for now the sole petrol offering, which makes 185kW/350Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder unit and is priced from $75,900 plus on-roads.

Topping the range for now is the xDrive30d, which uses a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine, making 190kW/620Nm, a 60Nm increase over the outgoing model.

At $83,900 it is the most expensive X3 in the range, and comes at a $2900 premium over the outgoing xDrive30d.

All variants use the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment on the xDrive20d includes 19-inch alloy wheels, folding door mirrors, roof rails, sports steering wheel, electric sports front seats with cloth/leather upholstery, LED headlights, head-up display, a 6.5-inch info screen, front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera, driving assistant with lane departure warning, wireless phone charging and Navigation system Business.

The xDrive30i and 30d share the same level of specification, which includes 20-inch hoops, Vernasca leather upholstery, adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist, comfort access system, driving assistant plus package (optional on the 20d), parking assistant plus with surround view camera, multi-function instrument display with 12.0-inch screen and Navigation system Professional with 10.0-inch touchscreen.

BMW has borrowed technology from the latest 5 Series for the new X3, including iDrive6 interface and the Personal CoPilot system, which allows for up to 30 seconds of hands-free driving, as well as active cruise control with stop and go function cross-traffic warning and lane keeping assistant.

Styling has been updated for the third-generation X3, which now sits on the same rear-drive-based platform as the new 5 Series and next-gen 3 Series.

Changes include a fresh headlight design with the hexagonal LED headlights that are becoming more common on new BMW models, a more aggressive lower air intake, softer tail-light design and new rear and side bumpers.

Dimensions have increased in length/width/height by 51mm/10mm/15mm, while wheelbase length has also grown by 54mm. Weight savings of up to 55kg have also resulted from the new platform.

Rear cargo storage remains the same at 550 litres with the 40:20:40 split-fold seats up, increasing to 1600L folded down.

A number of optional packages will be offered on the X3, including the M Sport package, Innovations package, Exclusive package and Rear Comfort package, which range in price from $1820 to $4450.

Through the first eight month of 2017, BMW has sold 2334 examples of the X3, down 13.1 per cent year-on-year.

It currently sits third on the sales ladder for its segment behind the Land Rover Discovery Sport (3226) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (2408), and ahead of the Lexus NX (2324), Range Rover Evoque (2037) and Porsche Macan (1820).

2017 BMW X3 pricing*

xDrive20d (a)	$68,900
xDrive30i (a)	$75,900
xDrive30d (a)	$83,900

*Excludes on-road costs